Leith docks deadline extended

I've welcomed the extra period of time which the City Council have now allowed for the public to comment or submit objections on the application from Forth Ports for outline planning permission for a massive redevelopment of Leith docks.
The original date for the submission of comments was Friday 12th October, but following a call from myself and others, the date has now been extended until Friday 2nd November.
I am glad that common sense has prevailed and this extension of the closing date agreed to by the Council. The proposed development is massive with significant implications for Leith and the wider area. Unfortunately, it’s not just the development that is massive – so too is the documentation for the planning application which runs to a dozen or so massive volumes, or dozens of electronic files.

As a local elected representative, I want to submit a proper response to these proposals which could have a major influence on the shape of Leith and its community for decades, if not centuries, to come. Along with many local organisations, the limited time originally given for the submission of comments would have made it almost impossible to properly consider, let alone consult other local people, on the plans. I hope that local people and organisations will now take the longer opportunity to comment which the Council has allowed. Mind you, it would have been better if someone in the Council had realised the significance and size of the development from the start of the official planning process, and made their own arrangements for a longer period for comments and objections, rather than waiting for me and others to demand that.
The application can be found online on the City Council’s planning website at http://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/publicaccess/dc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx
(look for application reference 07/03895/OUT)
Objections and comments can also be submitted to the Council online.